Expedia tries to sum its survey with a sunny figure that says 84 percent of passengers believe fellow flyers are considerate, but the excitement around increased in-flight device use suggests most people prefer to fly with as little human contact as necessary.

Gulf airlines are again innovating on the in-flight experience. While Asian airlines have started isolating children to one section of the plane, Etihad is making travel a more enjoyable experience for all onboard.

Major U.S. airlines have no plans to introduce kid-free zones despite constant cries from passengers bothered by infants and toddlers. However, a growing trend abroad could speed up introduction at home.